TUCSON, Ariz. – Utah State football completed a busy day of activities surrounding the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl on Wednesday in its second full day in Tucson.
The Aggies are in town for the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, which will be played on Friday, Dec. 29, at 3:30 p.m. (MT), against New Mexico State and televised nationally on CBS Sports Network (Comcast Ch. 269/753HD, Dish Network Ch. 158, DirecTV Ch. 221).
Along with breakfast and meetings to start the day, Utah State also visited the Diamond Children’s Center within the University of Arizona Medical Center and was represented by sophomore linebacker Jordan Hayes, redshirst freshman wide receiver Taylor Compton, redshirt freshman defensive end Keith Tambe, freshman running back SJ Fehoko, freshman linebacker Daniel Langi and freshman safety Chase Nelson.
“It was a tremendous privilege to be able to visit with the kids and we are grateful for all of those who organized the event,” said Nelson. “It’s amazing to have moments like that. It really put things into perspective, where you go and see those kids and they end up brighten up your day, when that was what we were supposed to do for them. Hopefully, our visit had a positive impact on them and we were able to leave them with a smile on their face, which I think we were able to do.”
The main task at hand Wednesday was practice, its third of the week in Tucson, which Utah State held at the Kino Sports Complex.
“Practice this week has gone a lot better than I expected,” said junior safety Gaje Ferguson. “We have handled practice and free time really well, and when it’s time to show up and practice and work hard, I think the team has done that on both sides of the ball. We definitely have a reason for being here and you can see that in the way we are practicing and the way we are competing, and trying to still get better and prepare for Friday’s game.”
Following practice on Wednesday, the team got its first opportunity to interact with its opponent as players from both Utah State and New Mexico State visited Old Tucson, where they watched some professional bull riding, had dinner, and participated in a few competitive events, including a dance-off.
“This is my first bowl game experience and it has been really fun, and the weather has been awesome. It has been fun to go out with the guys and interact in a different environment,” added Ferguson.
Utah State will conclude bowl preparations on Thursday with its final walk-thru of the season at Arizona Stadium in the morning. USU will also participate in the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Press Conference, as head coach Matt Wells, senior All-American cornerback Jalen Davis and senior running back LaJuan Hunt will address the media.
Fans will also have an opportunity to experience bowl activities on Thursday as the city of Tucson will host a downtown block party from 3-8 p.m., while USU will host a Pep Rally at The Playground in downtown Tucson at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the 2017 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl are available by contacting the USU Ticket Office at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, or by phone by calling 1-888-USTATE-1 or (435) 797-0305. Tickets can also be purchased 24 hours a day at www.UtahStateAggies.com.
Ticket prices for the 2017 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl will range from $202 for Sands Club, $127 for East Stadium Club, $67 for midfield, $52 for the sidelines and north end zone, and $27 for the corners and south end zone. Club tickets include premium food and soft drink options. All orders placed before Wednesday, Dec. 20, will be mailed out through FedEx and orders placed after Dec. 20 can be picked up at will call in Arizona.
Fans can follow the Aggie football program at twitter.com/USUFootball or on Facebook at Utah State Football, as well as on Instagram at instagram.com/USUFootball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics, on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics or on Instagram at instagram.com/USUAthletics.